Peewee Herman star Paul Reubens dies at 70. A look at his pop culture legacy
The multifaceted actor and comedian, Paul Reubens, best known for his unforgettable portrayal of the lovable man-child character, Pee-wee Herman, died after a private six-year struggle with cancer. Here’s a quick retrospective on the late star.
Rise to fame
Born in 1952, Peekskill, New York, Reubens was a comedic genius whose iconic character, Pee-wee Herman, brought joy and laughter to audiences around the world. His life and career were a testament to his talent, creativity, and dedication to his craft, leaving behind a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and entertain.
From an early age, Reubens showed a penchant for performing and making people laugh. He attended the prestigious Boston University College of Fine Arts, where he studied theatre and honed his comedic skills. After graduating, he moved to Los Angeles in the late 1970s and immersed himself in the vibrant comedy scene.
An icon is born
Pee-wee first appeared in a 1978 stage show titled The Pee-wee Herman Show. It was during this time that Reubens created the character - clad in a tight grey suit, red bowtie, slicked-back hair, and characterised by an infectious laugh - who became a cultural sensation in the 1980s.
Very sad to hear Pee Wee has passed on. Shout out to my first VHS tape memories and realize that being weird aint half bad. RIP Paul Reubens. pic.twitter.com/sJz4lYE47g
— Dom The Designer (@dapdesignz) July 31, 2023
In 1981, HBO aired a televised version of The Pee-wee Herman Show, which gained significant popularity and led to a successful collaboration with renowned director Tim Burton on Pee-wee's Big Adventure in 1985. The film showcased Reubens' exceptional ability to bring charm and whimsy to the big screen, solidifying Pee-wee's place in popular culture.
Rest in peace, Paul Reubens. I’ll always cherish your role as Pee-wee Herman. pic.twitter.com/CS9NvX6sHp
— Em (@emmasaurustex) August 1, 2023
Pee-wee's Playhouse, the television series that followed in 1986, further cemented Reubens' status as a comedic trailblazer. The show's colourful and zany world, populated by quirky characters and Pee-wee's playful antics, became a beloved part of Saturday morning television. It earned Reubens critical acclaim, multiple Emmy Awards, and a dedicated fan base of children and adults alike.
RIP to the legendary Paul Reubens. This scene will never not be hilarious. pic.twitter.com/0Pmi9K6rWa
— Eli Pinkerman (@eli_pinkerman) July 31, 2023
Beyond Pee-wee
Apart from his work as Pee-wee, Reubens displayed versatility in other projects. He portrayed The Penguin's father in Tim Burton's Batman Returns (1992) and made guest appearances on popular TV shows like Murphy Brown and 30 Rock and lent his voice to various animated characters.
While we were only a small part of his universe, Paul Reubens made a lasting impact on ours. We celebrate the legacy of an icon and character actor of infinite imagination. Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/Gh2nkEsV8K
— DC (@DCOfficial) July 31, 2023
Controversy and arrest
Despite Pee-wee's immense success, Reubens faced controversy in 1991 when he was arrested for indecent exposure in an adult movie theatre. The incident resulted in a temporary hiatus for the character and an unfortunate tarnishing of Reubens' public image. However, he rebounded from the setback, later expressing remorse for his actions and emphasising the importance of personal growth and redemption.
Philanthropy
Reubens' influence extended beyond entertainment. He was actively involved in philanthropic endeavours, supporting charities related to children, education, and the arts. His dedication to making a positive impact on the world paralleled his ability to spread laughter and joy through his work.
In 1985, Paul Reubens, as Pee Wee Herman, became of the rare few to host SNL completely in character. pic.twitter.com/Gz0suQE8Di
— That Week In SNL (@ThatWeekInSNL) July 31, 2023
The industry reacts
The news of Reubens' passing deeply affected the comedy community, with Conan O'Brien expressing his sorrow on Twitter, highlighting the comedian's contributions to the world of entertainment. The Groundlings community, where Reubens honed his comedic skills, also mourned his loss, recognizing the lasting impact he had on the field.
We were deeply saddened to hear of Paul Reubens passing today. As a member of The Groundlings, he created his character of Peewee Herman here. Paul's contributions to comedy & entertainment have left a lasting impact on the world, & he will be greatly missed We love you, Paul. pic.twitter.com/XnLUjkfOgl
— The Groundlings (@groundlings) August 1, 2023
Reubens' ability to blend silliness with a touch of subversiveness and champion nonconformity earned him admiration from fans and fellow comedians alike. Talk show host, Jimmy Kimmel, took to Instagram to praise Reubens as a one-of-a-kind comedian who managed to make both children and their parents laugh simultaneously.
Director Guillermo del Toro paid tribute to Reubens, hailing him as a patron saint for all the wonderful oddities and misfits in the world. Reubens' comedy was surreal, yet he remained kind and genuine, leaving a lasting impression on those he encountered.
One of the patron saints of all misfitted, weird, maladjusted, wonderful, miraculous oddities. https://t.co/4TJAObpO2M
— Guillermo del Toro (@RealGDT) July 31, 2023
Contrary to what some might believe, Reubens always insisted that his work, including the original Pee-wee show, was intended for children. He actively censored himself to maintain the kid-friendly nature of his performances, adding to the character's enduring appeal across generations.
“Pee-Wee is one of the greatest inventions in the history of comedy. I just wanted to say that while we have you.”
— Netflix (@netflix) July 31, 2023
Phil Rosenthal saying this to Paul Reubens in 2022 feels especially poignant today. pic.twitter.com/EnEH6fUfUH
In a statement, Reubens apologised for not sharing his battle publicly, expressing immense love and respect for his friends, fans, and supporters. He cherished the opportunity to create art for them and bring joy to their lives.
Paul Reubens wrote a message before he passed away last night. pic.twitter.com/FH8E8M4AI3
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) July 31, 2023
In the wake of his passing, Reubens left behind a legacy of laughter, joy, and acceptance. His ability to bring happiness to people of all ages and backgrounds earned him a special place in the hearts of fans worldwide.
Reubens will be remembered as a visionary entertainer and a generous soul whose surreal comedy and unyielding kindness were truly gifts to the world. His ability to connect with both children and adults, eliciting laughter and joy from diverse audiences, was a testament to his talent and the timeless appeal of his character.